Flexible Membrane Sample Holder for Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope sample-maintaining systems fail to properly hold down samples during imaging, allowing obstructions and hindering the transport of dissolved gases and molecules, which is crucial for effective transmitted light microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A sample-maintaining system comprising a flexible membrane with a refractive index similar to water, sandwiched between outer and inner members, which removably fit together to form a sealed chamber around the sample, allowing unobstructed imaging while maintaining sample positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cover is used to hold down the sample, then sample positioning stability is improved, but light transmission is blocked and imaging is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane instead of a rigid cover to hold down the sample. This flexible membrane is sufficiently transparent to allow light transmission for imaging while maintaining the mechanical function of securing the sample in place. The flexibility and transparency properties of the membrane resolve the contradiction between stability and light transmission.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sealed chamber is formed to hold the sample, then sample positioning is maintained, but transport of dissolved gases and molecules is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as a permeable barrier that maintains the chamber structure for sample positioning while allowing dissolved gases and molecules to pass through. The membrane's selective permeability enables transport of substances while preserving the confined environment needed for stable sample positioning during imaging.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a complex maintaining structure is used to secure the sample, then sample stability during imaging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides an elegant simplification by replacing complex rigid securing mechanisms with a single flexible element that conforms to the sample container. This membrane-based approach achieves stable sample positioning while minimizing structural complexity and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively holds down samples, ensuring unobstructed imaging and allowing the transport of gases and molecules, enhancing the quality of transmitted light microscopy by minimizing sample movement and maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible film being at least partially made of a material having a refractive index substantially similar to the refractive index of water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a sample-maintaining system for a microscope, the sample-maintaining system comprising a ring-shaped outer member comprising a bottom-facing surface and having an inner peripheral surface at least partially delimiting an inner member-receiving through opening; and a ring-shaped inner member defining a sample-receiving through opening and comprising a bottom-contacting surface; the inner member being removably arranged in the inner member-receiving through opening of the outer member; wherein when the bottom-contacting surface of the inner member is supported onto a container bottom wall, the bottom-facing surface of the outer member is spaced apart therefrom. It also concerns a well plate assembly comprising the same, a corresponding microscope assembly and a corresponding method for holding down a microscope sample.